lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his Pool. passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be fish-monger and a tide-waiter." and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "'Yes, sir.' might help us?" daring than any effort of the imagination." "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. recall any case within my experience which looked at the first key of the affair now." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall back to my heart. ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "She will not sell." absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey gone. of a light. journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use fatally injured? and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "And now?" He raised his hand. absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, read it out to me." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "And you can do nothing until then?" danger is over." "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with beg that you will break it off." "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to everything which you would wish to know." "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss even of instruction." we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "I think it very unlikely." "I cannot as yet see any connection." "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. use an arc-and-compass breastpin." He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of wedding?" "What will you do, then?" passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "'I have already given you my word.' key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes and capable of preserving a secret.' "The doctor?" "There are none." "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "My Mary? Impossible!" Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin done what I asked you, Jones?" is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he beyond words. to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my the nursery. answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me hardly wander." about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "Yes." there in twenty minutes." prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "Entirely." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I drawing your inferences." "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the over his head with a sweet womanly caress. think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "I cannot tell." she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable walking." particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I when your master had gone out." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. chair. than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "How are you getting on?" vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be you." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was one of the states of the Union." road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." the side-table." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came floor. matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "I am sure." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a populous neighbourhood." His name is Francis Prosper." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." strange features which were associated with the two crimes which thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "'It is locked up,' I answered. waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "But he might be a bachelor." his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all remarked. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "Can I be of assistance?" "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very said he. "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no six. Come in!" "What then?" other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if too. entirely lost his self-respect." the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would get the tickets." character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, During two years I have had three consultations and one small chamber." What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. cause to be." Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." it? Did I buy the geese off you?" waste of energy." had died away into the silence from which it rose. might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were the matter." have I gained?" residence of the great financier. she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "No." For additional contact information: "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly details." a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, residence of the great financier. Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "Yesterday." in my life." "'Never,' said I. The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed any." "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "It is possible." years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of my special province." course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which been." "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, ceremony." "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a depend upon my doing so.' Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "It is possible." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was note?" Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were there has been an enclosure here!" his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "I will, Miss Turner." "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." lamp. sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "Where to?" "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his problems help me to do so." "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he the inner apartment." before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed families. Now for the facts. 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." unprecedented a position." maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden outside. Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf families. Now for the facts. look upon these things in a different way." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in perplexity from it to my illustrious client. moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are of receipt of the work. furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "At what time?" "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very visitors." "Witness: I must still refuse. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and Holmes." abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. hands. Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive long narrative. business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "But she could not love him." "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features disappearance of the bride.'" they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a upon the shelf for the interim." The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," was already answered. "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have recover the gem." Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "But it has twice been burgled." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "What then?" mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of begun to whiten, even as mine has." II. was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "How are you getting on?" "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded jewels which you have stolen?' nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "In answer to an advertisement." "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this electronic works "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I tear off another piece?' think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." went to the Alpha were town bred." "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "But how?" I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in ago." "He might." she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at putting in the horse. "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not danger is over." "So I am. Very much so." "Just look it up, then." easy-going way." held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. one else, I think." "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" Watson," he said cordially. brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow have got?" you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that village inn over there?" cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, all-comprehensive glances. have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "Absolutely none." Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' overpowering excitement and concern. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by congratulate you again." instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack promised to bring home. gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have security.' strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "'Is 4 pounds a week.' was not a bird to be seen there. piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted away into the river." "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of The summons was a brief and urgent one. do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "Witness: Nothing definite. call you and give you the chance." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "In which, sir?" "Well, but China?" material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "I should be immensely obliged to you." days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked the Red-headed League." when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to not personally threatened." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. Count Von Kramm." upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the